Held in conjunction with the exhibition Wâpikwanew: Blossom, which continues at Karsh-Masson Gallery until July 30, 2017 inclusively.

Wâpikwanew means blossom in Nehiyawewin (the Cree language), and blossoms are a form of natural beauty that emerges in the wake of a winter’s sleep. From floral beadwork to ink on eggs, from paint on canvas to birch bark bitings, floral images are a source of symbolism that support self-identification, cultural identity, memory, traditional knowledge and meditation.
- Excerpt from the essay by curator Jaime Koebel

JAIME KOEBEL is of Nehiyâw, Michif and German ancestry. She is especially inspired by floral and natural imagery in Michif art. Koebel’s art practice encompasses beadwork, fish scale art, birch bark biting and ink drawing. She manages Prairie Fire, a dance group in which performs with her three children. Koebel runs Indigenous Walks Tours in Ottawa, and she is the Educator of Indigenous Programs and Outreach at the National Gallery of Canada. http://indigenouswalks.com/

An Algonquin member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in Quebec, SIMON BRASCOUPÉ is a contemporary artist with traditional roots. An academic researcher who provides training on cultural competency and safety, Brascoupé shares his creativity and knowledge of Algonquin traditions through stunning visual representations of cultural symbols. http://simonbrascoupe.com/

Wâpikwanew: Blossom is presented in collaboration with the NAC’s Canada Scene. https://nac-cna.ca/en/canadascene